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Content compiled and entered by Jeff Harbin and Andre Proulx

The CFL Official Rule Book is published annually by the Canadian Football League. Any inquiries regarding the CFL Official Playing Rules may be directed to Darren Hackwood, Director of Officiating at dhackwood@cfl.ca. Any inquiries regarding CFL Statistical Scoring Rules may be directed to Steve Daniel, Director of Game Information and Head Statistician at sdaniel@cfl.ca.

Other Canadian Football Rulebooks and Regulations

RULE 1 — CONDUCT OF THE GAME

SECTION 10 — PLAYING UNIFORMS

Article 1 — Equipment

Equipment or apparel that, in the judgment of the Referee, may endanger or confuse opponents is illegal.

The use of metal or other hard objects — including casts, guards and braces — to protect body parts, is permitted provided that such are appropriately covered on all edges and surfaces by foam rubber or similar material.

PENALTY: L10PBD. The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the illegal equipment has been removed. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

Article 2 — Helmets

A player shall be required to wear a helmet when on the Field of Play and shall not voluntarily remove it while the play is in progress.

Article 3 — Numbering Of Players

Each player shall be conspicuously numbered on the front and back of the jersey, and on the upper arms or shoulders. Such number must correspond with that listed with the scorer. A player shall retain the same number throughout the game except when permission to change is given by the Referee. Such change shall be reported to the scorer.

In the event that a Team A player is required to wear a different jersey number in order to play at a different position, the jersey must be changed in the team bench area. Under no circumstances shall the jersey be changed while the player is on the playing field.

PENALTY: The offending player shall be removed from the game until the proper playing number is determined. Substitution shall be allowed.

Article 4 — Illegal Substance

A player shall not be permitted to wear or apply or have applied on the uniform, equipment or body:

an adhesive substance, a rosin bag or tacky cloth that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, has made the game ball unsuitable for play as a result of direct or indirect contact with that player, and/or,

a greasy substance that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, has the potential to give that player an unfair advantage.

PENALTY: L10PBD. The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the illegal substance has been removed. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

Article 5 — Blood Hazards From Open Wounds

If a player has an open wound that, in the opinion of the Referee, is bleeding significantly, then that player will be required to leave the Field of Play to have the wound properly dressed by club medical staff. The player would be permitted to re-enter the Field of Play after receiving clearance from the Referee.

Article 6 — Hazardous Equipment

A player shall not be permitted to wear unauthorized equipment (ex. baseball cleats, track spikes or golf shoes) or equipment that has been deliberately altered so that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, it has the potential to cause injury to an opponent.

PENALTY: L15 The offending player shall be disqualified from the game.

NOTE: If the infraction is detected during or following a play in which that player participated, the Referee may apply the penalty at the point of origin of that play, or PBD.

Article 7 — Dress Code

A team is required to dress in a professional manner and shall be subject to penalty if a player fails to comply with the following requirements:

The team jersey shall be tucked inside the top of the pants and shall remain tucked in throughout the game. If the jersey is pulled out during the game, the player shall be required to tuck it in during a break in the play.

Uniform stockings shall be worn in such manner that no part of the player's knee or leg is exposed.

Protective gear shall be worn underneath the team jersey, pants and stockings. When a short-sleeved jersey is worn, the color of protective gear on the elbow or lower arm shall be the same as one of the basic colors of the team.

The team uniform shall not be cut away or altered in any manner whatsoever.

White tape may be used on wrists and hands, but tape used on stockings or any part of the uniform shall be the same color as the uniform or equipment it covers.

Shoes of a standard football design, with appropriate football cleating, that have not been altered, deliberately or otherwise, in any manner and judged suitable by the Referee for the playing surface, may be used. Sneaker type shoes with no cleating may also be used.

PENALTY: L10PBD The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the dress code violation has been remedied. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

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